An Albanian man currently imprisoned in the United Kingdom for a brutal rape is now the subject of an extradition request from Kosovo, where he is accused of a violent armed robbery at a family home seven years ago.
Double Offender: From London Rape to Kosovo Robbery
Rinor Korqa, 28, was sentenced to five years and six months in prison in January 2024 for his part in a 'predatory' sexual assault in the London borough of Havering. The court heard how the victim, separated from friends on a night out, was raped by one man while an accomplice filmed the attack on a mobile phone.
Now, Kosovo authorities seek his transfer to face justice for an unrelated alleged crime. Korqa is accused of involvement in an armed robbery at the Jashari family home in Havjali village, in the Pristina region, on December 22, 2017. The charges state that he entered the residence, armed with what is believed to be a firearm or imitation firearm, and stole a wallet containing 1,500 euros, $50, an ID document, a gold lira, and a smartphone.
The Legal Path to Extradition
Korqa, originally from Kosovo but with an address in Romford, east London, was arrested in the UK under a Kosovo-issued warrant. The alleged offences fall under the Theft Act 1968, with the extradition process governed by Section 72 of the Extradition Act 2003.
Kosovo has a 'type B' treaty with the UK, which requires the requesting nation to provide 'prima facie' evidence to support its case. These proceedings have been moving through the British courts for the past seven months. The final decision rests with Home Secretary Shabana Mahmood, who must rule on whether to approve the extradition request.
A Pattern of Predatory Behaviour
The rape for which Korqa is currently incarcerated occurred on June 25, 2023, in Hornchurch town centre. After the victim became isolated from her friends, two men approached her, took her to a car, and drove her away. Korqa was convicted of rape and failing to disclose his phone PIN. His accomplice, Bujar Jashari, 36, from Southend, was sentenced to seven years' imprisonment for rape.
Detective Sergeant Charlie Yexley of the Havering crime investigation department praised the victim's bravery, stating the offenders were 'predatory' and likely would have continued if not for her coming forward.
The case highlights international judicial cooperation and the complex decisions facing authorities when dealing with foreign nationals who commit serious crimes in the UK while being wanted for other offences abroad. The Home Office has been approached for comment regarding the ongoing extradition proceedings.
